I almost blew it! My first year at university was nearly a disaster. Midway through the first month away from home, I was introduced to a temptation that became an addictive drug in my veins. The more that I tried it, the more addicted … Read more
Author Archive
I'm Sorry!
The primary purpose of Christian preaching is to invite reconciliation — in every aspect of life. The first step on a journey of reconciliation just may be to say, "I'm sorry." "I ask for God's forgiveness, and I want to say to you with … Read more
Killing Time!
I met a friend unexpectedly, and I asked what he was up to. The answer? "Just killing time." He wasn't the first person to answer in such a way … we are all guilty of killing time! It's a common enough saying, but it struck me in a … Read more
Easter In Kyiv
Eastern Orthodox Christians use the Julian calendar, so as many of us Christians celebrate Easter today, we ask ourselves how on earth the Ukrainian people will be able to observe Easter next Sunday with many of their churches destroyed, … Read more
Sackcloth And Ashes And Sighs Too Deep For Words
Moshe Reuven Asman, chief rabbi of Ukraine, called on Christians and Jews to say together the following words from Psalm 31 as Russian forces attacked the Ukraine on various fronts. People of faith are drawn together to offer comfort and … Read more
Trap's Timely Tips
I have been surrounded by sailors my whole life, but I had little opportunity to join them until 1986, when I moved to Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. I sometimes joined my Uncle Trap's crew, mostly as "rail meat", which means that my most … Read more
Grampy's Cassettes
There are a few things that I cherish in this life, and hopefully, you'd be surprised by the list. Very few possessions are on that list, and the few that make it have little or no monetary value. Take those old battered cassettes, for … Read more
Grampy's Candlesticks
My grandfather had many admirable traits and a few that made life a bit difficult for his rambunctious grandkids. Grampy was a perfectionist. He was a boat builder who would tear out complete decking if things did not line up perfectly. … Read more
Come, Let Us Sing!
I've been missing many things during the pandemic, but nothing compares with the missing elements in worship. Yes, there have been alternatives to traditional worship such as services on Zoom and YouTube and drive-in church and physical … Read more
Marking A Milestone
Seventy years ago today, I entered this life. The expectation at that time was that a good and long life would span 70 years, and maybe, just maybe, I might see 80. Her majesty was just beginning her reign, acceding to the throne on … Read more
Age Shall Not Weary Them
The older I get, the more that I realize that I have a unique role to play in life. I spent many years in active service to our Lord. I am now at a different point in my faith journey where I have just as much to share, but often with a … Read more
Just Once, Right?
The topic was refugee sponsorship. The conversation was intense, and finally one of those at the meeting said, "Just once, right?" It might have seemed that way to someone new to the refugee crisis. The conflict in Syria had churches … Read more
To You Is Born
I was passing the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, a while back, and I saw a family leaving with a new little bundle and a big bunch of flowers and gifts and toys. Above the trio, a big, blue balloon proudly proclaimed, … Read more
The Fear Factor
My most cherished nativity scene (of which I have many!) is one from Malawi that I brought back with me in 1998. This nativity scene almost got me arrested — or worse! Let me tell you the tale. I'd spent over two weeks visiting mission … Read more
Kindfulness
A year ago, early in Advent, on December 3, 2020, I took part in a Zoom dialogue with our Prime Minister and 400 faith leaders from across Canada. "I have been proud of our fellow Canadians to make it through this pandemic, but we have … Read more
The Widow's Walk
I live in Nova Scotia, and to be precise, I live on the eastern shore, which is dotted with small fishing villages. The architecture here is often just a tad different from what most people are used to: we have a large number of widow's … Read more
Security Blankets
In the Peanuts comic strip, Linus has his security blanket. Over a 35-year period, he experienced a love/hate relationship with this well-worn blanket. After all, it had been a part of his life from the very beginning. The blanket gave … Read more
Looking Up!
I feel the winds of God today; Today my sail I lift, Though heavy oft with drenching spray And torn with many a rift; If hope would light the water's crest, And Christ my bark will use, I'll seek the seas at His behest, And brave another … Read more
Give Us This Day…
At the start of the pandemic, much caught us by surprise. The stores ran out of any and every kind of sanitizer; there was no PPE to be found. Did we even know what PPE was? We were told not to "speak moistly", to wear a mask, and to … Read more
The Red Chair
I Will Counsel You
Lucy has her own profession in the Peanuts comic strip: psychiatrist. Lucy has put out her shingle — "Psychiatric Help 5¢". Charlie Brown shows up at her makeshift booth and … Read more
Dayspring From On High
Do you know the story of the Dayspring Mission? It is a fascinating story of courage, determination, and sacrifice. In the 1860s, the Presbyterian Board of Missions decided that the New Hebrides Mission (Vanuatu today) should have a large … Read more
Six O'clock, Time To Get Up!
One of the great fascinations of visiting my grandparents was the wonder of listening each morning to their budgie sing! Then — a miracle to us kids — the budgie would very clearly say, "Six o'clock, time to get up!" Even we kids found … Read more
Keep Calm And Carry On
I was visiting a member of my congregation when she said, "Let's have coffee." A few minutes later, we were savouring coffee with cheese and crackers. I looked at the cup and asked her where the mug had come from and what it meant. The … Read more
The Woman Who Sold Time
I was fascinated when I heard the story of Ruth Belville. She inherited a family business that had been started by her father in 1836 — selling time! In those days in London, anyone who wanted to know the exact time had few options that … Read more
It's In You To Give
You may have seen the phrase in today's title a time or two, but it holds special meaning for me, and the pandemic is messing it up! For years, my weekly routine included a trip to the Canadian Blood Services. I gave about two hours each … Read more
Where A Yes Can Take You
A news service interviewed me after I returned from Africa, asking about life in ministry, to which I answered, "I've never been bored. I've found that when I say 'Yes' to things, doors open. The more I say 'Yes', the more doors open. … Read more
When You Have To Start Over
It was a long month and more for me — and probably longer for those around me! A sudden fall on my 39th wedding anniversary changed my life. (Sorry Jeanne — it wasn't the day that we had planned!) I think that I adapted rather well to … Read more
Well Done!
It's 6 a.m. on a dark and moody morning, and the fog is deep in the Bay. I'm getting ready for the run that begins each new day — summer or winter, rain or shine. I have a routine to get ready — stretches, bends, push-ups, and all the … Read more
I'll Pull You Out Of That Stinking Pollution
In his encyclical on the environment, Laudato si (Praise be to you), Pope Francis wrote: Human life is grounded in three fundamental and closely intertwined relationships: with God, with our neighbour and with the earth itself. … Read more
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